 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Shelly
Date: 2001-04-20 19:04
I have always replaced my clarinet pads all at once. Is there any problem with just replacing them as they need to be replaced? It is a money issue for me at this point. I just got a "new" clarinet and it has two bad pads (still playable but they really need to be replaced) the others are in better condition. Any words of wisdom?
shelly
P.S. How hard is it to replace your own pads? Is this a possiblity? Is there a guide book or something or is this something that is better left to a professional?
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Author: Bob Rausch
Date: 2001-04-20 20:11
Shelly,
Recently, I pulled my Buffet R-13 Clarinet out of the closet and decided to start playing again. I called a couple of music stores to find prices for getting a wooden clarinet re-padded and WOW its gotten expensive. (Most I asked charged over 100 dollars !) I started looking around on the internet and found some good descriptions of the procedure to replace pads. I find its easy to put the pads in, but not so easy to "settle" the pads into proper position. It requires heat and little adjustments to properly "seat" some of the pads. The answer is "Yes" it is possible to replace your own pads, but it can be tricky and will take some time. I decided to learn how because I want to begin collecting clarinets. Here are two links that will help you get you started:
http://www.sneezy.org/clarinet/Equipment/Care/PadReplacement.html
http://www.trailwork.com/musique/rickbarberclarinetpage.htm
One page has a good description on how to replace pads, the other tells you how and in what order to remove keys from your clarinet.
As to your question about when to replace pads. I find some pads get more wear than others because of their location on the clarinet. So it seems to me that some pads will need to be replaced more often.
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Author: Dee
Date: 2001-04-20 21:25
I have generally had the pads replaced individually as they needed it. Some pads wear faster than others and there's no sense replacing them all. Or you could damage a pad and again there's no sense in replacing them all.
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Author: Anji
Date: 2001-04-20 21:45
Onzies or twozies are no worry.
Replacing the whole set is an efficient way to make sure the horn doesn't come back during the warranty period.
My tech will do either, and the pads all play nice together.
The big thing seems to be in clamping the new pad and cup to the tone hole for an extended period, to allow the 'seat' to develop.
The big dogs will chime in on this, no doubt, I would defer to their opinion if it differs from mine (I'm just a cheapskate, and that colors most of my choices).
anji
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Author: joseph o'kelly
Date: 2001-04-20 22:13
Yes it is very possible to replace your own pads. If the other pads are in good shape you should just replace those depending on what condition they are in. If you never replaced pads before this might save you alot of trouble.
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Author: jbutler
Date: 2001-04-20 22:37
Bob,
Why do you think $100 is too expensive? I don't get it. Repair prices have not gone up proportionatly with the rest of inflation for the last 30 years! In 1970's dollars it cost about $60 to repad a clarinet.....now think...that was in 1976! When was the last time you went to have a VCR fixed? You can buy a new one for the price it costs to repair one. Being in the repair business I'm pretty edgy on this issue. I also understand where you are coming from. I would rather do my own automotive repair when I can to save a few bucks, but when I need the expertise of a professional I don't complain about the cost.
John
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Author: ron b
Date: 2001-04-20 23:05
To whom it may apply -
Replacing a pad or two is no real challenge, just proceed as follows:
1. Go to the two sites posted above. Read them carefully.
2. Buy the tools and materials you 'think' you'll need to do the job.
3. Find a suitable workplace.
4. Replace the offending pad(s) according to the above instructions.
5. Take your horn to a local tech to straighten out the mess you've made of things, complaining loudly about the outrageous price while you're at it (which will likely be far less than you invested in the first place).
Happy landings :]
- ron b -
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Author: Bob Rausch
Date: 2001-04-21 02:02
Wow, some of you got in a twist over comment about the cost. I apologize if it offended anyone. Her question just struck a cord with me, because playing clarinet is a hobby I love, but difficult to afford if your on a budget and own several instruments that need maintenance. I had just come home from a music store that wanted 149 dollars to repad my instrument, but was willing to sell me the pads for 16 dollars. I guess I'm a simple person. My wife and I live on a budget and are trying to save for a home. You get the picture....
Anyway.
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Author: Willie
Date: 2001-04-21 03:29
If most of the pads seal correctly and aren't torn, it may be best to replace a pad or two. I know some folks who have pads that are ancient and are very discolored, but they can play circles around me. Some pads may wear (or tear) faster than others. If the pads you have are of questional quality, then I say go for a total repad as it may be cheaper (and less headaches) in the long run. $100 for a repad as not a bad price as long as it is done properly and good pads are used. As for "good pads", check the archives here as this has always been a good topic.
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Author: David Kinder
Date: 2001-04-21 05:01
You can check on the Woodwind and Brasswind site for pad sets, and even the Valentino pads. They're easy to install, but again, seating the pads is the issue. Also, I'm not sure if it's a temporary fix, or permanent. It's worth a look and maybe a phone call.
http://woodwindandbrasswind.com
1-800-348-5003
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Author: joevacc
Date: 2001-04-21 05:39
Bob,
I have been repadding and adjusting my horns with great success. That said I have spent far more than $100.00 on the proper tools, books and materials to do the repairs. As a amateur it also takes me a very long time to get a horn into great playing condition. Do all the reading you can on the subject. It great fun to mess with these horns. The best way to learn however is to do it. If you can get your hands on a junker and play with that, I believe that is the best way to learn. That way if you get that horn a little too HOT no harm done.
Good luck and have fun,
jv
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Author: joevacc
Date: 2001-04-21 05:47
I'm sorry I don't know why I addresed my post to "Bob"!! Where is the undo button on this thing anyway?
;~)
jv
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